The Phoenix Suns took a unique approach to guarding LeBron James, putting 7ft 1in center Deandre Ayton on him. James got his numbers, but the Suns frustrated the Lakers’ star and were able to push back when he tried to lead a late charge.

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Phoenix lost the first three games this season against Los Angeles by double digits, but had the Lakers scrambled through three quarters in the season series finale. The Suns’ defense on James, led by Ayton, helped.

The four-time league MVP was frustrated at times with Phoenix’s defense and his team’s inability to hang with the NBA’s worst team. But, as he has so many times, James tried to lead the Lakers back. “We needed this game for obvious reasons,” said James, who had 27 points, 16 assists and nine rebounds. “It is just unfortunate with the opportunities we’ve had that we haven’t been able to seize the opportunity.”

The Suns appeared as if they would wilt down the stretch. Instead, Phoenix shut down the Lakers and made six free throws in the final 52 seconds to win for the second time in three games following a 17-game losing streak.

“We need to be better. We need to be a lot better,” Lakers coach Luke Walton said. “I am happy with the fight we showed in the fourth quarter, but where we are at in the season, that is the desperation that we need to start the game with.”

Elsewhere, Stephen Curry shook off foul trouble to score 28 points and spark Golden State down the stretch as they beat the Philadelphia 76ers 120-117. Kevin Durant scored 34 points and DeMarcus Cousins had 25 for the Warriors.

“It’s interesting, because I think he’s still underrated,” Andre Iguodala said of his teammate Curry. “I still think he doesn’t really get the respect he deserves.”

Each team played without a franchise star: 76ers center Joel Embiid missed his fifth straight game while Golden State’s Klay Thompson sat out after getting hurt in Thursday’s loss at Orlando. Both men are carrying knee injuries. Mike Scott scored 22 points and was a surprise star for the Sixers. Ben Simmons had his second straight triple-double and 22nd of his two-year career with 25 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists.